A History of the East Coast Main Line

Since the mid-nineteenth century the East Coast Main Line has been one of the major routes from London to northern England and to Scotland. It has seen some of the greatest achievements in the railways, most notably the 'Flying Scotsman' becoming, in 1934, the first locomotive in the world to exceed 100mph and the 'Mallard' in 1938 claiming the as-yet-unbroken world speed record for steam locomotives of 126mph.

The East Coast Main Line not only made history by facilitating an ever-faster link between two capital cities, it also provided an international stage for Britain's engineering marvels, inspiring many generations of schoolboys and adults alike. That was to continue after the end of the steam era on British Railways, with diesel and then electric traction setting a series of new records over the route.

This new book not only tells the story of how the London-Edinburgh line became the world's fastest steam railway, it also looks at how its proud and unique heritage is appreciated today and celebrated more than ever before.

About the Author

Robin Jones became interested in railways as the age of four, when his brother took him trainspotting on the Birmingham Snow Hill to Leamington Spa main line. An English graduate at the University of Central England, he was an investigative journalist and news editor at the Birmingham Evening Mail before founding Heritage Railway magazine in 1999, of which he is still the editor. Robin has written several books on railways, travel and local history, including Great Western Railway Pannier Tanks, also published by Crowood.